Detailed Chinese Ball Button Instructions
From The Sewing Connection
A 1/2" button needs a 1/4" fabric tube filled with two yarns.
A 1" ball button requires a 3/8" tube and a soft upholstery cord or welting for filler. It should be approximately 12" long per button. To tie the knot which produces the ball follow the diagrams:
Weave #3 over, under, over, under, etc., then gradually work it all around pulling ends tighter until it shapes up into a ball #4. Cut off the cord ends and sew flat to the underside with hand stitches. These work well used as a button with the button loop or as part of a frog closure.
